Loaded Gun Recovered From Teen

Dropped Weapon On Subway Platform, Cops Say

By Howard Schwach

An alert police officer from the 101 Precinct recovered a gun that a Rockaway teenager dropped on the A Train subway platform after he was involved in a dispute at the Mott Avenue station early on Sunday morning, police say. According to court records, Tenell Barnes, 16, was with a large group of teens that were loudly arguing with another group at about 1:50 a.m. on January 21.

Tynan went over to the group and ordered them to move along and disperse.

In the criminal complaints, Tynan says that Barnes, who lives at 71-15 Beach Channel Drive, refused.

The teen refused to provide his identification and became loud and argumentative, records show, drawing a large crowd.

Tynan attempted to cuff the teenager and he allegedly began to flail and kick at her. In the scuffle, Tynan says, a gun fell from Barnes' waistband and hit the platform floor. The fully-loaded .22 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver, loaded with six rounds, was recovered by police and four more live rounds were found in Barnes' jacket pocket, records show.

Barnes was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on January 21 on charges of criminal possession of a weapon and disorderly conduct.

Barnes' bail was set at $7,500 bond or $5,000 cash. He posted bail and remains free until his next court date, which is set for February 9.

If convicted of criminal possession of a weapon, Barnes faces up to fifteen years in prison. Both Barnes and his mother, Loresa Barnes, declined to comment on the case.